An antenna testing system and an antenna testing method

Abstract

This invention provides an antenna testing system and method, comprising: a trajectory simulation intelligent remote-controlled vehicle, an intelligent remote-controlled lifting frame, a horn antenna, an antenna under test, a target simulator, and a main control module; the intelligent remote-controlled lifting frame is mounted on the trajectory simulation intelligent remote-controlled vehicle, and the horn antenna is mounted on the intelligent remote-controlled lifting frame; the main control module is connected to the target simulator, and the target simulator is connected to the horn antenna and the antenna under test; the main control module is used to, when the antenna under test is in the response function mode, control the target simulator to generate a radio frequency interrogation signal and drive the horn antenna to send the radio frequency interrogation signal; the target simulator is also used to, upon receiving a response signal generated by the antenna under test based on the radio frequency interrogation signal, send it to the main control module; the main control module is used to, based on the radio frequency interrogation signal and the response signal, perform a response function test on the antenna under test; the main control module is also used to, when the antenna under test is in the interrogation function mode, control the target simulator to generate a radio frequency interrogation signal and drive the antenna under test to send the radio frequency interrogation signal; the target simulator is also used to, upon receiving a response signal generated by the horn antenna based on the radio frequency interrogation signal, send it to the main control module; the main control module is used to, based on the radio frequency interrogation signal and the response signal, perform an interrogation function test on the antenna under test. It automatically realizes signal transmission and reception and test comparison, and realizes automated antenna testing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of antenna testing technology, specifically relating to an antenna testing system and an antenna testing method. Background Technology

[0002] Antennas are a crucial component of radio communication systems, and their performance directly impacts factors such as transmission distance, coverage, and signal strength within an aircraft system. Therefore, testing antennas is essential for ensuring proper system operation and optimizing performance.

[0003] Currently, commonly used testing methods mainly include field testing and indoor testing. These methods test and adjust the antenna in actual usage environments. By collecting actual signal data and analyzing and comparing changes in signal parameters, it is determined whether the antenna needs calibration and appropriate adjustments are made. For verifying the antenna's receiving and transmitting functions, target signal simulation technology is used. A test system is constructed to simultaneously simulate the antenna's interrogation and response signals, thereby achieving antenna function testing.

[0004] In existing technologies, antenna testing has the following problems:

[0005] 1) Low testing efficiency: Traditional testing methods require a variety of testing equipment and involve complex processes. It is necessary to control the signal source switch at both the antenna signal receiving end and the transmitting end, and to move the antenna back and forth to different angles for testing. Finally, data analysis and recording are required, which is complicated, time-consuming and labor-intensive.

[0006] 2) Poor test accuracy: In traditional test methods, the signal source transmitter and receiver transmit signals through radio frequency lines, which has problems such as large cable attenuation and low signal power. At the same time, the antenna placement is usually manually controlled, making it difficult to ensure the accuracy of the angle, resulting in poor test accuracy.

[0007] 3) Low level of testing automation: In traditional testing methods, it is necessary to manually control the transmission and reception of signals, and also to manually move the test angle and position of the antenna. When calculating data, it is also necessary to connect to a test computer for analysis. The level of automation is extremely low, resulting in a waste of time and manpower.

[0008] 4) Difficulty in switching working modes: Under traditional testing methods, antenna function testing is required to verify whether the antenna's transmission and reception functions are normal. The antenna working mode needs to be set manually, and mode switching cannot be performed automatically, resulting in low testing efficiency and insufficient verification of antenna function. Summary of the Invention

[0009] This invention proposes an antenna testing system and method for field antenna testing, enabling functional testing and calibration of different types of antennas. This significantly improves antenna testing efficiency, accuracy, and automation, thereby addressing the problems of low testing efficiency, poor accuracy, low automation, and difficulty in switching working modes in current antenna calibration processes, as mentioned in the background.

[0010] The first aspect of the present invention provides an antenna testing system, comprising: a trajectory simulation intelligent remote control vehicle, an intelligent remote control lifting frame, a horn antenna, an antenna under test, a target simulator, and a main control module;

[0011] The intelligent remote control lifting frame is installed on the trajectory simulation intelligent remote control vehicle, and the horn antenna is installed on the intelligent remote control lifting frame;

[0012] The main control module is connected to the target simulator, and the target simulator is connected to the horn antenna and the antenna under test.

[0013] The main control module is used to control the target simulator to generate an RF interrogation signal and drive the horn antenna to send the RF interrogation signal when the antenna under test is in the Response function mode. The target simulator is also used to send the Response signal generated by the antenna under test based on the RF interrogation signal to the main control module when it receives the Response signal. The main control module is used to perform the Response function test of the antenna under test based on the RF interrogation signal and the Response signal.

[0014] The main control module is also used to control the target simulator to generate an RF interrogation signal and drive the antenna under test to send the RF interrogation signal when the antenna under test is in the interrogation function mode; the target simulator is also used to send the response signal generated by the horn antenna according to the RF interrogation signal to the main control module when it receives the response signal; the main control module is used to perform interrogation function testing of the antenna under test according to the RF interrogation signal and the response signal.

[0015] Optionally, the main control module is also used to control the trajectory to simulate the movement of an intelligent remote control vehicle when performing response and interrogation function tests on the antenna under test.

[0016] Optionally, the target simulator generates an RF interrogation signal based on the parameters of the antenna in the response function mode.

[0017] Optionally, the horn antenna and the antenna under test are located at the same height.

[0018] Optional features also include: a GPS antenna, a differential GPS module; a horn antenna, the antenna under test connected to the main control module;

[0019] The main control module is used to set the antenna under test to interrogation mode and control the antenna under test to send radio frequency signals. It obtains the real-time azimuth of the horn antenna based on the response signal of the radio frequency signal sent by the horn antenna. It draws the antenna radiation pattern of the antenna under test based on the amplitude of the radio frequency signal and the real-time azimuth of the horn antenna. It determines the normal position information of the antenna under test based on the antenna radiation pattern. It controls the trajectory to simulate the movement of a smart remote control car to the normal position of the antenna under test and sets the normal direction as the reference azimuth. It controls the trajectory to simulate the smart remote control car at multiple angles with the reference azimuth, obtains the azimuth error at each angle, and calibrates the accuracy of the antenna under test based on all azimuth errors.

[0020] Optionally, the horn antenna can be moved to the reference position, and the height of the intelligent remote control lifting frame can be adjusted so that the GPS antenna, the antenna under test and the horn antenna are at the same height, and the horn antenna can be controlled to send radio frequency signals.

[0021] The differential GPS module is used to obtain the first azimuth value between the GPS antenna and the horn antenna based on the radio frequency signal received by the GPS antenna.

[0022] The main control module is also used to control the horn antenna to send radio frequency signals to the antenna under test, obtain the second azimuth value between the antenna under test and the horn antenna based on the radio frequency signals received by the antenna under test, and obtain the azimuth error based on the first azimuth value and the second azimuth value.

[0023] Optional angles include 0°, 45°, 60°, 80°, 90°, 100°, 120°, and 135°.

[0024] A second aspect of the present invention provides an antenna testing method, performed by an antenna testing system as described in any one of the first aspects.

[0025] This invention proposes an antenna testing system and method for field antenna testing. Combining digital signal processing technology, a modular hardware system is constructed to test the antenna. By acquiring the antenna's input and output signal data and using digital signal processing algorithms to analyze and process the signals, antenna calibration is achieved. This method offers advantages such as high precision, high efficiency, and ease of automation.

[0026] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0027] 1. This invention constructs an antenna field testing system, proposes an automatic testing method for multi-target motion trajectory and field orientation, designs a standard control interface, and uses antenna system testing hardware combined with main control module functional software to replace the original various measurement and control hardware, simulates and constructs the general functions of multiple instruments, and automatically controls antenna movement and antenna working mode switching, solving the problems of complex traditional testing operations and susceptibility to external environmental interference, and greatly improving testing efficiency.

[0028] 2. This invention proposes a method for antenna calibration and signal transmission / reception function testing. Using the antenna system as a unified test object, it compares the test data of a standard GPS antenna with the test data of the antenna under test to achieve antenna calibration. A target simulator is used to transmit or receive interrogation and response signals to verify whether the target simulation function of the antenna under test is normal. Using this method can make the test results more accurate and further improve the quality of antenna testing.

[0029] 3. This invention develops a modular software testing system that integrates a main control module, a real-time data processing and analysis module, a data reading module, and a target signal processing module with hardware. By sending unified control commands, it can process and analyze test data, generate test case models, drive the antenna testing system to rotate at different angles, and finally display the generated test data results graphically. This enables rapid testing such as data management and sharing, and automatic calibration, as well as rapid resource sharing, thereby improving the scalability of the testing platform.

[0030] 4. This invention designs an automated antenna testing process. By writing test cases, the entire antenna testing process is edited using software language, forming a unified testing process from antenna movement to testing, realizing automated testing of field antennas, breaking through the traditional manual testing mode, and reducing manpower and time costs. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a hardware architecture diagram of the antenna testing system platform of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a software architecture diagram of the antenna testing system of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The present invention adopts the following technical solution: the composition of an antenna testing system is as follows Figure 1 Its hardware features are characterized by comprising three main parts: a display subsystem, a multi-target motion trajectory subsystem, and an automatic field orientation testing subsystem. The display subsystem includes a monitor and an industrial control computer; the multi-target trajectory subsystem includes a trajectory simulation intelligent remote-controlled vehicle, an intelligent remote-controlled lifting frame, a horn antenna, a GPS antenna, and a differential GPS module; the automatic field orientation testing subsystem contains a main control module, a data analysis and processing module, a vector signal analysis module, a clock synchronization module, a calibration module, a multi-channel matrix module switch, a power management module, and a target simulator. The antenna testing software is built into the industrial control computer and includes a main control module, a real-time data processing and analysis module, a data reading module, and a target signal processing module.

[0034] The aforementioned display and industrial control computer primarily handle the operation control of the test status and the display of test result data, as well as the dynamic display of the antenna pattern. The trajectory-simulating intelligent remote-controlled vehicle is controlled by the main control module, enabling it to move along a given trajectory within a certain time period. The intelligent remote-controlled lifting frame is also controlled by the main control module, allowing for automatic raising and lowering of the horn antenna. The horn antenna, mounted on the intelligent remote-controlled lifting frame, can transmit or receive standard radio frequency signals. The GPS antenna transmits or receives standard GPS radio frequency signals. The differential GPS module provides a precise three-dimensional differential GPS reference and calculates the angle between the horn antenna and the corresponding GPS antenna. The main control module primarily handles the overall control of the calibration system, including positioning the trajectory-simulating intelligent remote-controlled vehicle, controlling the intelligent remote-controlled lifting frame, and controlling the transmission and reception of interrogation or response signals from the target simulator. The data analysis and processing... The module primarily processes and analyzes data from the antenna calibration system, such as processing and generating antenna radiation patterns, and sends the processing results to the main control module for display. The vector signal analysis module samples, analyzes, and converts the antenna's radio frequency signals, tests the signal amplitude, and finally plots the radiation pattern. The clock synchronization module synchronizes time information and performs timekeeping. The calibration module calibrates the multi-target motion trajectory planning system and calibrates the error between standard and test values. The power management module supplies power to the chassis and maintains power balance and stable voltage output among the modules. The target simulator generates radio frequency interrogation signals and drives the horn antenna to send radio frequency interrogation signals. The target simulator also sends the response signal generated by the antenna under test based on the radio frequency interrogation signal to the main control module when it receives the response signal, and also generates radio frequency interrogation signals for antennas in response mode.

[0035] The testing software comprises four modules: the main control module provides system control signals and command instructions, controlling the movement of the remote-controlled vehicle, the lifting and lowering of the lifting frame, antenna vector signal analysis and control, calibration control, multi-channel matrix switch control, and target simulation parameters and type control; the real-time data processing and analysis module compares the test data of the antenna under test with the test signal of the standard antenna, and processes and analyzes it, including antenna pattern data processing and target data processing; the data reading module stores antenna test data and reads and plays it back; and the target signal processing module processes the antenna target signal data for antenna function testing.

[0036] I. Working Principle and Usage of the Invention: Taking aircraft antenna functional testing as an example, an antenna testing method includes the following: 1) Connecting the industrial control computer, test system cable, and power cable; 2) Installing the horn antenna on the intelligent remote control lift, with the lift placed on the mounting platform of the trajectory simulation intelligent remote control vehicle; 3) Adjusting the height of the intelligent remote control lift to align the horn antenna with the center position of the antenna under test, ensuring they are at the same height; 4) Starting the industrial control computer and running the antenna testing software. The industrial control computer establishes a connection with the horn antenna through the standard communication control command signal provided by the main control module software. The industrial control computer sends control signals to the horn antenna to complete the transmission and reception of standard radio frequency signals from the horn antenna; 5) When the aircraft antenna under test is in the response function mode, the main control module controls the target simulator to generate a radio frequency interrogation signal and drives the horn antenna to send the radio frequency interrogation signal. When the antenna under test receives the interrogation signal from the horn antenna, it communicates with the target simulator... The simulator receives the response signal generated by the antenna under test based on the radio frequency interrogation signal, forms an response message, and sends it to the main control module. The target signal processing module in the software performs data analysis on the response signal parsed by the target simulator, and transmits the result to the data analysis and processing module for data calculation and generation. After the data is generated, the processing result is sent to the main control module and the display for display. 6) When the antenna under test of the aircraft is in the interrogation function mode, the target simulator is controlled to generate a radio frequency response signal and drive the antenna under test to send a radio frequency interrogation signal. When the horn antenna receives the interrogation signal transmitted by the antenna under test, the target simulator receives the response signal generated by the horn antenna based on the radio frequency interrogation signal, forms an response message, and sends it to the main control module. The target signal processing module in the software performs data analysis on the response signal parsed by the target simulator, and transmits the result to the data analysis and processing module for data calculation and generation. After the data is generated, the processing result is sent to the main control module and the display for display.

[0037] 7) The data reading module in the software displays and stores the query and response processing results of the aircraft's antenna under test, and generates test results; 8) After the test is completed, turn off the power of the test system and remove the horn antenna.

[0038] II. Working Principle and Usage of the Invention: Taking aircraft antenna calibration testing as an example, an antenna testing method includes the following: 1) Connecting the industrial control computer, test system cable, and power cable; 2) Installing the horn antenna on the intelligent remote control lifting platform, which is placed on the mounting platform of the trajectory simulation intelligent remote control vehicle; 3) Adjusting the height of the intelligent remote control lifting platform to align the horn antenna with the center position of the antenna under test, and placing them at the same height; 4) Starting the industrial control computer and running the antenna testing software. The industrial control computer establishes a connection with the horn antenna through the standard communication control command signal provided by the main control module software, and sends control signals to the horn antenna to complete the transmission and reception of the standard radio frequency signal of the horn antenna; 5) Placing the aircraft under test... The antenna is set to interrogation mode. The main control module in the software controls the target simulator to generate a response signal. When the horn antenna receives the interrogation signal, it is transmitted to the vector signal analysis module via the RF cable. The vector signal analysis module performs sampling and analysis of the RF signal and converts it into data information, which is then sent to the data analysis and processing module. The data processing and analysis module draws the antenna pattern based on the amplitude of the interrogation signal and the real-time azimuth of the antenna, and finds the antenna normal position information. 6) Power on the antenna test system, start each subsystem to work normally, run the clock synchronization module, and transmit the standard time signal to each subsystem via the RF cable to complete the time synchronization and timekeeping function between the test systems. 7) The main control module controls the trajectory to simulate the intelligent remote control car in the aircraft. 8) The main control module controls the trajectory simulation intelligent remote control vehicle to be at the normal position of the aircraft's antenna under test, and sets the normal direction to the reference azimuth. The main control module controls the system to enter the antenna calibration mode, establishes the motion trajectory parameters through the main control module, and adjusts the trajectory simulation intelligent remote control vehicle to be at the reference azimuth at angles of 0°, 45°, 60°, 80°, 90°, 100°, 120°, and 135° respectively; 9) When the trajectory simulation intelligent remote control vehicle is at 0° to the reference azimuth, move the horn antenna to the reference azimuth, adjust the height of the intelligent remote control lift so that the GPS antenna, horn antenna and aircraft antenna are at the same height; The aircraft's tested antenna and horn antenna are at the same altitude. The antenna test system is run, and the main control module sends a command to the horn antenna to activate its transmission. After receiving the control command, the horn antenna sends an RF signal to the GPS antenna. The differential GPS module processes and analyzes the RF signal received by the GPS antenna to calculate the azimuth value between the GPS antenna and the horn antenna. 10) Keep the position of the horn antenna on the trajectory simulation intelligent remote control vehicle stationary. The antenna test system is run, and the main control module sends a command to the horn antenna to activate its transmission. After receiving the control command, the horn antenna sends an RF signal to the tested antenna. The data analysis and processing module performs azimuth calculation to determine the azimuth value between the tested antenna and the horn antenna.11) Similarly, when the trajectory simulation intelligent remote control car is at angles of 45°, 60°, 80°, 90°, 100°, 120°, and 135° relative to the reference orientation, repeat the above operation to measure the azimuth values ​​between the GPS antenna and the horn antenna, and between the tested antenna and the horn antenna at different orientations. The standard azimuth values ​​measured by GPS and the azimuth values ​​measured by the tested antenna are then analyzed and calculated by the calibration module. After resolving the error between the two tests, error compensation is achieved, completing the accuracy calibration of the tested antenna. 12) Turn off the power to the antenna testing system, disconnect the antenna and test cable, and the test is complete.

[0039] This invention has been successfully applied to field testing of various aircraft antennas, achieving functional and performance calibration of multiple different antennas, completing azimuth accuracy testing under different angular positions, and establishing a standard testing method. By conducting separate functional and performance tests on the antennas and employing target signal simulation, the antenna's receiving and transmitting functions are verified. A standard test error compensation calibration method is proposed, comparing test values ​​with standard values, performing data calculations, and ultimately compensating for errors to achieve antenna calibration. This invention can be extended to functional and performance testing of multiple antennas and multiple targets. By adding a trajectory-simulating intelligent remote-controlled vehicle and a horn antenna, and adjusting different azimuth angles, multi-angle and multi-target accuracy testing of antennas can be achieved. This invention significantly improves antenna testing efficiency and quality, shortening the testing cycle from 8 days to 3 days. It also supports unified equipment test control and channel switching, designs a unified test interface, and, combined with test software, realizes functions such as test system configuration development, test execution and data acquisition, storage and data analysis, and automatic calibration terminals. Ultimately, it achieves automated antenna testing, greatly improving the versatility and accuracy of aircraft radome testing. It can be extended to various aircraft tests, possessing strong economic benefits and practical value.

Claims

1. An antenna testing system, characterized in that, include: Trajectory simulation intelligent remote control car, intelligent remote control lifting frame, horn antenna, antenna under test, target simulator, main control module; The intelligent remote control lifting frame is installed on the trajectory simulation intelligent remote control vehicle, and the horn antenna is installed on the intelligent remote control lifting frame; The main control module is connected to the target simulator, and the target simulator is connected to the horn antenna and the antenna under test. The main control module is used to control the target simulator to generate an RF interrogation signal and drive the horn antenna to send the RF interrogation signal when the antenna under test is in the Response function mode. The target simulator is also used to send the Response signal generated by the antenna under test based on the RF interrogation signal to the main control module when it receives the Response signal. The main control module is used to perform the Response function test of the antenna under test based on the RF interrogation signal and the Response signal. The main control module is also used to control the target simulator to generate an RF interrogation signal and drive the antenna under test to send the RF interrogation signal when the antenna under test is in the interrogation function mode; the target simulator is also used to send the response signal generated by the horn antenna according to the RF interrogation signal to the main control module when it receives the response signal. The main control module is used to perform interrogation function tests on the antenna under test based on the radio frequency interrogation signal and response signal; The antenna testing system also includes: a GPS antenna, a differential GPS module; a horn antenna, the antenna under test, and the main control module. The main control module is used to set the antenna under test to interrogation mode and control the antenna under test to send radio frequency signals. It obtains the real-time azimuth of the horn antenna based on the response signal of the radio frequency signal sent by the horn antenna. It draws the antenna radiation pattern of the antenna under test based on the amplitude of the radio frequency signal and the real-time azimuth of the horn antenna. It determines the normal position information of the antenna under test based on the antenna radiation pattern. It controls the trajectory to simulate the movement of a smart remote control car to the normal position of the antenna under test and sets the normal direction as the reference azimuth. It controls the trajectory to simulate the smart remote control car at multiple angles with the reference azimuth, obtains the azimuth error at each angle, and calibrates the accuracy of the antenna under test based on all azimuth errors.

2. The antenna testing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main control module is also used to control the trajectory to simulate the movement of an intelligent remote-controlled car when conducting response and interrogation function tests on the antenna under test.

3. The antenna testing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The target simulator generates an RF interrogation signal based on the parameters of the antenna in the response function mode.

4. The antenna testing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The horn antenna and the antenna under test are at the same height.

5. The antenna testing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main control module is used to move the horn antenna to the reference position, adjust the height of the intelligent remote control lifting frame so that the GPS antenna, the antenna under test and the horn antenna are at the same height, and control the horn antenna to send radio frequency signals. The differential GPS module is used to obtain the first azimuth value between the GPS antenna and the horn antenna based on the radio frequency signal received by the GPS antenna. The main control module is also used to control the horn antenna to send radio frequency signals to the antenna under test, and to obtain the second azimuth value between the antenna under test and the horn antenna based on the radio frequency signals received by the antenna under test. The azimuth error is obtained based on the first and second azimuth values.

6. The antenna testing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The angles include 0°, 45°, 60°, 80°, 90°, 100°, 120°, and 135°.

7. An antenna testing method, characterized in that, Performed by the antenna test system as described in any one of claims 1-6.

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